Apple made the decision to remove the 3.5mm headphone jack starting with the iPhone 7 line back in 2016. And despite the doom and gloom from many tech pundits who saw the move as anti-consumer, iPhone sales continue to grow.

What Are Lightning Headphones?

Lightning headphones, as you could probably guess by the name, plug directly into the charging port of your device.

A major advantage of Lightning headsets, compared to regular wired versions, is that manufacturers can use their own digital signal processor and digital-to-analog converter, also known as a DAC. That potentially means even better audio quality than the analog route.

But there is a major downside to Lighting headphones: you can’t listen to music and charge your device at the same time.

We’re taking a look at several non-Apple Lightning headphone options to check out. We’ll even show you how to keep your regular 3.5mm headphones and still use them with one of Apple’s latest iPhone models.

Part of Libratone’s Q Adapt line, the top feature of the Libratone Q Adapt in-ear version is four adjustable noise control levels. The first level is a pass-through that allows you to talk to people without taking off the headphones. With each consecutive level, the noise cancellation increases.

You can change the noise cancellation levels on the four-button control that also allows music lovers to play/pause music, change songs, answer calls, and invoke Siri.

Libratone promises a balance of bass, midrange, clear vocals, and crisp high tones. Buyers can select from four Apple-like colors: black, white, nude, and pink. And since in-ear options can be a finicky fit for some ears, the package includes three different sizes of interchangeable ear tips.

2. Philips Fidelio M2L/27 [No Longer Available]

A great on-ear option, the Philips Fidelio M2L/27 features a built-in DAC for the best audio quality possible. Using 40mm drivers, the headphones are made for balanced and natural sound.

While there’s no active noise-canceling technology, an acoustic seal helps prevents outside noise from leaking in and music from flowing out.

To help provide a comfortable fit, the ear pads are made with breathable memory foam that disperses both head and pressure build-up. When it comes time to hit the road, the headphones are flat-folding, and you can store them in an included pouch.

The Audeze iSINE 10 in-ear headphones are unique in more ways than one. The first, and most obvious, is the design of the high-end option. The in-ear option looks like something from Star Wars.

But with that unique design, Audeze has managed to pack in technology usually reserved for over-ear or on-ear options. Special planar magnetic drivers promise better bass and transients and just a tenth of the distortion compared to other in-ear options.

The Lighting cable includes a built-in amplifier, DSP, and DAC. With the companion app, users can easily adjust the EQ settings stored in the headphones. Audeze also includes three different sizes of ear tips along with two sets of ear hooks and ear locks.

AutoPause technology will automatically pause media playback when you remove the headphones. Your music automatically resumes when you put them back in your ear. A special Smart Button on the Lightning plug is customizable. You can set it to bring up a specific app, mute/unmute phone calls, or launch the Rayz app.

Along with being sweatproof, water resistant, and easy to clean, reflective cables will help keep you visible on the road. Wearers can find a perfect fit since JBL includes three sizes of regular ear tips and ergonomic sport tips.

Buyers can select from four different colors: black, blue, teal, or red.

Along with a 3.5mm headphone adapter, Belkin’s option also provides a Lightning dongle. That means you can listen to music and charge your iPhone at the same time. Just use a standard Lightning cable that comes with every iPhone.

The Rockstar also features a built-in DAC for the best sound quality possible. Belkin backs the adapter with a two-year warranty.

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boneheadphone.com

April 30, 2018 at 2:36 pm

Ear-covered headphones pose a certain risk.
1. Scientifically speaking, the magnets in the earphones affect the hearing capability, inducing hearing loss. The eardrums can be destroyed with music like metal.

2. Headphones cover your ears, cutting you off from the rest of the world. Headphones are not intelligent enough to alert you of an avoidable accident like trains and cars while crossing the roads. Headphones turn people into disconnected tech-zombies.
3. The strain around your ears, if extended, can induce ear related diseases, that could affect brain, resulting in brain disorders.
The best alternative we have around are the bone conduction headphones -
1. These bypass the ears, conduct waves through cheekbones, jawbones, letting ear have the air and freedom.
2. You're not cut off from the world.
3. No need for noise cancellation.
4. Sound quality is HD
5. You have wireless options
6. Waterproof options - best for athletes and sportsmen. People at gyms will find wireless bone conduction headphones accommodating and easy to handle without any obstructions
7. 2 year warranty
8. Cheaper than Dr. Dre type hyped headphones.

Born and raised in sunny west Texas, Brent graduated from Texas Tech University with a BA in journalism. He's been writing about technology for more than 5 years and enjoys all things Apple, accessories, and security.